Courses:

Current Research Interests:

Current Research Interest Areas: My primary research interest involves chronicling the lived experiences of African American women in predominantly White, faith based institutions. I would love to further explore the intersectionality of race, gender, and various aspects of "otherness" and its impact on the spiritual development, professional identity, and impression management tactics of women in higher education. Additionally, I plan to delve into intrapersonal and spiritual communication. I am currently working on a book project that addresses the aforementioned. I am also preparing to present at the 2016 Better Together Leadership Conference in Carrollton, TX on October 20, 2016 - October 22, 2016.

Teaching Philosophy:

Education is a way up and a way out of the crippling grip of ignorance, unexamined privilege, complacency, and untapped potential. Therefore, I believe teaching is soul work and my role is to facilitate my students’ learning from the inside out through the lens of critical analysis, self-reflection, and application of practical theory. This is necessary to not only help them hone their communication skills across a number of contexts but to also be self-aware and empowered leaders who use their gifts/unique platforms to make an impact as members of a global society. For example, in my cross-cultural communication course (CSS 3314), students are challenged to engage subcultural or co-cultural groups different from their own (outside of the Baylor community) by immersing themselves in their chosen group’s customs, activities, rituals etc. as student ethnographers. This project helps bring theory to life in a meaningful way as students get out of their comfort zones and come to terms with their espoused theories verses theories in practice.

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests:

I have been married to my soul mate and best friend, Rodrick for 13 years. We are blessed to be the parents of two beautiful children, Zion (6) and Reyna (18 months). In my "spare" time or rather time that I intentionally set aside to unwind, I love to travel, give motivational speeches, provide training and development services for professional organizations/churches/companies, spend time with family, watch movies and Zumba or line dance. I adore "Hello Kitty" (I know, don’t try to wrap your mind around that) and the color pink. I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Carver Park Baptist church where my husband and I teach the Marriage Enrichment Sunday school class and I support him in his role as youth ministry overseer.

What is the best thing about being a Baylor Bear?

The intersectionality of faith and instruction and the impact it has on my relationships with students and colleagues! I love the fact that I do not have to mute the spiritual aspects of my identity as a professor while I facilitate student learning and co-labor with my colleagues. When people see what’s in your heart that bridges the gap between maintaining distance because of superficial differences and forging intentional, mutually edifying relationships.